Resources
Kaleidoscope: Where Every Child’s Colours Shine
In our programs, each child brings their own unique colours to our collective story. Like the ever-changing patterns in a kaleidoscope, children bring diverse interests, abilities, backgrounds, and experiences that create a rich tapestry of learning opportunities. CNC staff have the privilege of witnessing this beautiful diversity every day, but with this privilege comes the responsibility of ensuring every child’s pattern can shine brightly. These articles explore how to create learning environments that amplify every child’s potential, including topics like: The power of hands-on learning and STEM education, Supporting neurodiverse learners, and Building advocacy skills for an inclusive future
15 Ideas for Encouraging Family Engagement
What is “Family Engagement?” Early childhood program administrators and staff often hear that they should “engage” families to best meet the needs of children and ensure understanding of their programming. Family engagement is a partnership with the families in your program. It can develop, grow, and change with circumstances. Here are 15 ideas to help encourage CNC family engagement in your program!
May is Food Allergy Awareness Month
May is Food Allergy Awareness Month and Food Allergy Canada has lots planned this month to increase awareness and education of food allergy across the country. How will you spread awareness and education in your program this month?
WEBINAR: Art Center Makeover
Has your art center lost its spark—or is it time for a fresh approach to reignite it? Join art educator, Faigie Kobre, for a fresh look at transforming your art center into a vibrant space where imagination, learning, and self-expression come alive. You’ll explore budget-friendly materials, engaging display ideas, and literacy-rich activities that turn everyday art into meaningful learning. Walk away with practical strategies to reignite creativity and make your art center a place children love.
6,500+ Fisher-Price toys recalled in Canada
More than 6,500 Fisher-Price toys have been recalled in Canada due to a potential choking hazard. In the recall notice, Health Canada advised parents and caregivers to immediately stop using the affected products, keep them out of reach of children, and contact Fisher-Price for a free replacement.
Looking in a Mirror: Patterns, Cycles and Bias, Oh My!
Have you watched Looking in a Mirror: Patterns, Cycles and Bias, Oh My! yet? It was one of our top-rated sessions! Here’s what participants had to say: This was my favourite session. Lots of interactions, information and ideas. Time flew by and I was looking forward to hearing more and learning more... Amazing content. I’d love to join in again!
Babies need humans, not screens
Did you know that the negative effects of too much screen time for babies and toddlers range from shorter attention span to lower empathy? Here's why too much screen time can harm babies and the importance of ensuring children enjoy off-screen experiences.
Earth Day
Our planet is an amazing place, but it needs our help to thrive! That’s why each year on April 22, more than a billion people celebrate Earth Day to raise awareness. Even small children can learn a little bit about the history of Earth Day, take part in activities like picking up litter and planting trees to help make our world a happier, healthier place to live. Here are fun earth day activities you might want to try in your program this month!
Empowering Bilingual Families and Children
CNC programs set the tone for welcoming children and families. CNC administrators are also responsible for supporting CNC staff who deal with the behaviours sometimes seen when children and families enter new settings. Learning a new language and adapting to mainstream customs can be intimidating. Culture shock is a real and powerful experience affecting one’s mental health and overall well-being in ways that are often overlooked. This article offers some lessons learned and some things to think about as we make intentional plans to welcome newcomer families into CNC programs.
Activities for anxious kids: How to help children cope with anxiety through play
Anxiety is the feeling of worry, nervousness, fear, or unease. Even if these feelings in kids seem small to adults, they can be very real and important for a child. And they’re also very normal. Parents and caregivers can help tremendously by recognizing what anxiety looks like and providing activities for anxious kids. To help get you started, Active for Life has put together this list of 50 great activities to help children cope with anxiety through play.